Statement from Jimmy Lago, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Chicago Regarding Rev. Gary M. Miller, Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish

Catholic New World
July 30, 2012

http://www.catholicnewworld.com/cnwonline/2012/0729/2.aspx

Representatives of the Archdiocese of Chicago have spoken with Monsignor Wayne Prist, at St. Bernadette Parish, Evergreen Park, and Father Roger Corrales-Diaz, pastor of St. Leonard Parish, Berwyn, to inform them that the archdiocese has received an allegation that Father Gary Miller engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor, while assigned to St. Leonard’s Parish, more than 30 years ago. At the request of Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, Father Miller has agreed to voluntarily and temporarily step aside from active ministry. He also agreed to this action so that there would be no question about the protection of children.

This allegation has been reported, by the archdiocese, to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State’s Attorney. The archdiocese has also begun its review and investigation of this matter in accordance with Archdiocese of Chicago policies and requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

No further information is available at this time.

Leadership of the archdiocese requests that parish members and others understand that this action is not a judgment of guilt, nor is it a removal from ministry. It does not affect Father Miller’s position as pastor. In the meantime, Father Miller has agreed to reside in a residence away from the parish until the investigation of this allegation is concluded.

Sexual abuse of children is a grave sin and a crime. The Archdiocese of Chicago reports every allegation to the civil authorities and cooperates with them. The archdiocese continues to reach out and work for the healing of all those affected by the tragedy of child and adolescent sexual abuse.

Information about reporting allegations of sexual abuse by archdiocesan clergy, deacons or lay persons, no matter when the abuse occurred, can be found on the archdiocesan website, www.archchicago.org, or by calling: